History

1899 - 1913

Where it all began: 1899 - 1938

1899

Mentone High School for girls' was founded by the Simpson sisters, Effie, Minnie, Ethel, and Daisy, at "Cobbalanna" – 100 Como Parade, Mentone. Effie Simpson served as the school's inaugural Headmistress.

1906

Miss Ada Murray and Miss Jane Elizabeth Bullow jointly commenced running the School.

1908

Miss Ada Murray assumed leadership of the School.

1913

Miss Alice Maxwell-Hyslop took over as the Headmistress. Under her leadership, the School transitioned to a co-educational institution, welcoming up to 40 students.

1919 - 1924

1919

Miss Maxwell-Hyslop retired and Miss Ethel Simpson returned to the School as Headmistress.

1920

Miss Evaline Mary Pearson became Headmistress. The School moved to a new location in Venice Street when the Parents’ Committee arranged for it to be the Mentone Branch of Presbyterian Ladies’ College.

1923

The Presbyterian Church Board decided to close the School. At a Public Meeting, debenture capital was subscribed to form a company; a deposit was paid for the property now the site of St Bede’s College.

1924

The School was reopened and rebranded as Mentone Girls' Grammar School (St. Margaret's). The Students and Music Teacher, collaborated to compose the School song. During this period, the School motto "VERO NIHIL VERIUS" was coined, which translates to 'Nothing is truer than truth'. Additionally, the House groups 'Grammar' and 'St. Margaret's' were established.

1925 - 1935

1925

The School Magazine ‘Spindrift’ was first published.

1926

The Old Girls’ Club held its first meeting.

1927

During the challenging years of The Depression, Miss Bessie Johnston assumed the role of Headmistress.

1932

Miss Johnston introduced new curriculum initiatives to provide vocational skills for business employment: typing and shorthand.

1935

Miss Jeannie McCowan was appointed as Headmistress, and she served in this capacity until 1955.

1936 - 1938

1936

When the owners of the current site foreclosed on the mortgage, Miss McCowan took the initiative and offered to buy a more suitable site for the School. Demonstrating her visionary leadership, she made the strategic decision to purchase a property with Beach Road frontage.

1937

Additional land was purchased, with playing fields added to the campus. The School was now recognised as a Day School and Boarding School.

1938

An Infant School was registered. Miss McCowan made a progressive move to begin training girls for matriculation to University - something that was unheard of at the time.

1939 - 1953

A Period of Growth: 1939 - 1979

1939

During World War II, as the conflict erupted, all students actively participated in evacuation procedures to prepare for a potential enemy attack. Slit trenches were dug within the School grounds, and regular drills were conducted to familiarise staff and students with the air-raid shelters.

The students also took part in gathering eggs from a chook pen to provide a healthy breakfast for the boarders. Furthermore, the School showed its support to the Hospital Appeals by donating fresh eggs throughout the entire War period.

During this significant period, the School established a close connection with St. Augustine's Church of England, located on Como Parade, Mentone. As a tribute to the Duke of Kent, Kent House was created and named in his honour.

1951

The School had now secured four acres of land, 10 classrooms and Boarding house.

1953

The position of Sports Captain was created.

1956 - 1966

1956

Miss J Prudence Lewty was appointed Headmistress.

1958

A large adjoining house was purchased to provide a Kindergarten and classrooms.

1960

Additional land was acquired for sporting facilities. The School now covered nine acres.

1962

The School became affiliated with the Church of England, and the Bishop's mitre was added to the crest.

1966

The Science Laboratories were opened by Senator The Honourable J.G. Gorton.

1969 - 1978

1969

McCowan House created; named in honour of Miss Jeannie McCowan; the School’s longest serving Headmistress.

1974

Mr David Hunt was appointed as the first male Principal of the School. A Thanksgiving and Dedication Service was held to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the School. The School completed a successful building plan of a Junior School, Science Block, Kerferd Library and Prudence Lewty Hall.

1976

The Annette Kellermann Sports Complex and Swimming Pool were constructed.

1978

Middle School was established.

1986 - 1992

Continued Growth: 1986 to Present

1986

The David Hunt Centre was opened, comprising a gymnasium, Music school, classroom and specialist facilities.

1987

Mrs Janice Douglas was appointed Principal.

1988

Australia’s Bicentennial Year was celebrated with special school events. The satellite project expanded to allow languages to be received directly from Europe and Japan.

1992

The Simpson Visual Arts Centre was opened by the Honourable Lindsay Thompson, son of Miss Ethel Simpson. Year 12 students were awarded the new two-year Victorian Certificate of Education.

1994 - 1999

1997 Aths Captains Halligan Cutler Winners

1994

The School celebrated its 95th Birthday with special events. The Early Learning Centre for girls and boys opened in February.

1995

Laptop computers were introduced into classrooms.

1997

The Janice Douglas Junior School was officially opened by the Premier of Victoria, the Honourable Jeff Kennett.

1998

Ms Jillian de Araugo was appointed Principal.

1999

Centenary Year – celebrated throughout the year at a variety of functions including a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral, the Centenary Concert at the Melbourne Concert Hall and Speech Night at the Melbourne Town Hall.

2000 - 2007

2000

Mentone Girls' Grammar School Old Girls' Club celebrated its 75th Anniversary.

2001

The Rose Courtyard was refurbished.

2003

Our iconic red uniform was launched.

2005

Mrs Fran Reddan was appointed Principal.

2006

The award winning Cobbalanna VCE Centre was opened on the site of the original Cobbalanna School House.

2007

Bay Café was opened.

2008 - 2011

2008

International Baccalaureate Formal Process commenced for Junior School.

2009

110-year anniversary included many celebrations and the introduction of an annual Founder’s Day event.

2010

The new Early Learning Centre (ELC) opened across from the Junior School at 20 Mentone Parade.

2011

Formal sister school agreements signed with Yamanashi Eiwa Girls' School in Japan and Huaxia Girls' School in Beijing, China.

2012 - 2015

2012

Year 7 & 8 Creative Learning Centre opened with the introduction of 1:1 iPad technology and a new Media Design Suite for TV and film production, industrial and web design.

Establishment of the Remarkable Women Series, honouring Mentone Old Girls who have made their mark personally or professionally on the local, national or world stage.

2013

Year 9 & 10 Global Learning Centre opened in conjunction with the new Food and Nutrition Centre.

2014

School’s 115th Anniversary year. Wellbeing Centre opened. We became the first school in the world to be accredited with a CIS International Certification, and became an ASIC MoneySmart School.

2015

Media Design Suite opened and new Junior School playground unveiled. Anzac Memorial Garden Bed established in the Willow Courtyard.

2016 - Present

2016

Enterprise Academy officially opened by Creel Price, Founder of Club Kidpreneur. The School was one of only 10 Club Kidpreneur Hero Schools.

2017

Several renovations were undertaken at the School, including the commencement of construction of the new Wellbeing Precinct.

2019

The new Wellbeing Precinct was opened in January, featuring an Aquatic Centre with a 25m Pool, Learn to Swim Pool and Diving boards along with three outdoor Netball / Basketball courts and 12 Tennis courts / Hockey pitch.

2020

Ms Natalie Charles was appointed as Principal. COVID-19 worldwide pandemic caused campus closure from March until June, with classes conducted online.

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